Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2015
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Suckling
James - Decanter
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Wilfred
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Casalferro was first produced in 1993 when Francesco Ricasoli became president of the company. A pure Merlot produced only during the best years, Casalferro is obtained from the vineyard of the same name located at 400 meters above sea level and facing south. The brown clay loam soil with little organic content contributes to the exclusive personality of this great Chianti Merlot.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackberries, blackcurrants, dark plums, Chinese spices and hints of vanilla. Full body, incredibly structured tannins, plenty of juicy blue fruit and a long finish. It's all so balanced and refined yet muscular. Better in 2020.
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Decanter
Spicy oak with red fruit, blueberry and cherry aromas. The palate is gently smoky with fine tannin and a chalky minerality.
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Wine Spectator
This is pure and silky, boasting cherry, raspberry, peony and spice flavors. Intense and harmonious, picking up accents of chocolate, tobacco and mineral on the lingering finish. Merlot. Drink now through 2024.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A pure expression of Merlot, the 2015 Casalferro is a velvety and deeply enriched red wine. The magical forces of sunny Tuscany and exuberant Merlot are combined here to produce a wine of intensity and sweet softness. It caresses the palate, thanks to the softness and the succulent nature of its texture. The warm 2015 vintage also leaves its mark in terms of concentration and richness.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2015 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro deftly combines Old and New World nuances. TASTING NOTES: This attractive wine exhibits excellent richness and balance. Enjoy its authentic aromas and flavors of black fruit and savory spices with a slowly-braised lamb stew over risotto. (Tasted: September 9, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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The history of Italy cannot be told without including the prominent contributions of the Ricasoli family, who have produced wine since 1141. Ricasoli is documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world. A beautiful illustration of the family tree in 1584 is one of the first images of the Chianti area and the family archives include export receipts dating back to the late 1600s. However, perhaps the most famous historical contribution came from Baron Bettino Ricasoli, who was not only twice the prime minister of Italy, but after 30 years of experimentation and documentation, developed the original formula for the Chianti wine that became the standard for the region.
The heart of the Ricasoli wine production comes from the Brolio castello, a magnificent castle located in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, which was built as an outpost to defend Florence from the rival city of Siena. Within the estate, ancient cannonballs and even more recent WWII artillery shells have been found, evidence of the historical strategic importance of the castle with views of the entire Chianti Classico area. The 3,000 acre estate includes 580 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards, ranging in altitude from 800 to 1,500 feet. Each plot is harvested and fermented separately with meticulous dedication.
Baron Francesco Ricasoli has been at the helm of the winery since 1993 and with the deepest respect for his renowned ancestors, he has guided the estate in innovation and sustainable vineyard practices. The ongoing study of soil types and the clonal selection of the Brolio Sangiovese are among his greatest passions and he has been responsible for total renovation and re-mapping of the vineyards. Today, the wines are a reflection of the family’s nine hundred year dedication to quality winemaking and innovation at the Brolio estate.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.